Mokken Scale Analysis (MSA) is a nonparametric approach that offers exploratory tools for understanding the nature of item responses while emphasizing invariance requirements. MSA is often discussed as it relates to Rasch measurement theory, which also emphasizes invariance, but uses parametric models. Researchers who have compared and combined…

Teachers play a critical role in school mental health. They aid in the identification and referral of students in need of mental health services and are key players in implementing interventions. Nevertheless, teachers often lack the education and training needed to support youths' mental health. Increasing teachers' mental health literacy (MHL)…

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of different logistic regression estimators applied to RDS studies via simulation and the analysis of empirical data. Four simulated populations were created with different connectivity characteristics. Each simulated individual received two attributes, one of them associated to the infection…

The purpose of the present study was to provide the means to evaluate the "interval-scaling" assumption that governs the use of parametric statistics and continuous data estimators in self-report instruments that utilize Likert-type scaling. Using simulated and real data, the methodology to test for this important assumption is evaluated…

Coefficient alpha reliability persists as the most common reliability coefficient reported in research. The assumptions for its use are, however, not well-understood. The current paper challenges the commonly used expressions of coefficient alpha and argues that while these expressions are correct when estimating reliability for summed scores,…

The multistage testing (MST) design has been gaining attention and popularity in educational assessments. For testing programs that have small test-taker samples, it is challenging to calibrate new items to replenish the item pool. In the current research, we used the item pools from an operational MST program to illustrate how research studies…

The present study examined whether scaling direction and perceptual modality affect children's spatial scaling. Children aged 6-8 years (N = 201) were assigned to a visual, visuo-haptic, and haptic condition in which they were presented with colourful, embossed graphics. In the haptic condition, they were asked to wear a blindfold during the test…

In vertical scaling, results of tests from several different grade levels are placed on a common scale. Most vertical scaling methodologies rely heavily on the assumption that the construct being measured is unidimensional. In many testing situations, however, such an assumption could be problematic. For instance, the construct measured at one…

We developed and validated scores on the Lifestyle Practices and Health Consciousness Inventory (LPHCI)-2: Brief Version, a short form for measuring global wellness (mental and physical health). Tests of internal structure (EFA, CFA, and higher-order CFA) as well as convergent validity supported the psychometric properties of LPHCI-2: Brief…

The general expectation for many successful educational innovations is to "scale up" the project. Based on interviews with participating teachers, facilitators and administrators, this research shares findings from the "scaling up" stage of a federally funded mathematics project designed to help teachers reach a wide range of…

Single-case design is a research methodology that entails repeated measurement to assess the influence of an independent variable on a dependent variable over time. Data collected in this manner are regularly analyzed using visual analysis of data displayed in a linear graph. Although there is agreement regarding critical elements of visual…

Solution-focused (SF) approaches are widely used in schools. The present study examined the effects of a central SF technique--"scaling"--on female secondary students' improvement expectancy (IE) and commitment to improvement (CTI). Popular follow-up questions were also tested. In Experiment 1, 120 students were randomly assigned to a…

Single-case experimental designs (SCEDs) are frequently used to evaluate whether a functional relation exists between interventions and student outcomes. A critical factor in decision making is the evaluation of graphical data, typically displayed in time-series graphs. Distortion in the graphical display of data can lead to invalid decisions on…

Single-case research designs (SCRDs) are rigorous methods used to investigate the effects of interventions on socially important outcomes. A hallmark of SCRDs is repeated measurement of observable behavior presented in time-series graphs. The construction of time-series graphs can inflate Type I or Type II errors made via visual analysis. In the…

Causal-formative indicators are often used in social science research. To achieve identification in causal-formative indicator modeling, constraints need to be applied. A conventional method is to constrain the weight of a formative indicator to be 1. The selection of which indicator to have the fixed weight, however, may influence statistical…